Orango Island

Orango Island is the centerpiece of the Orango Islands National Park and a jewel of biodiversity. The island is world-famous for its unique population of hippos that have adapted to saltwater life. Beyond the wildlife, the social structure of the Bijagó residents is fascinating, as they maintain a traditional matriarchal society where women play a central role in religion and politics. The landscape is marked by pristine white sand beaches, mangrove forests, and lagoons. Visitors can join guided safaris to spot the hippos and rare bird species. Local cuisine is based on fresh seafood and palm products. Getting there requires a multi-hour boat trip from Bissau or Bubaque. The best time for wildlife viewing is the dry season, particularly from December to April. Orango features an unparalleled experience far removed from modern civilization, first-rate for nature and culture enthusiasts.

Nearby cities

Bolama

Bolama is the former capital of Portuguese Guinea, located on the island of the same name in the Bijagós Archipelago.

Bubaque

Bubaque is the main town in the Bijagós Islands and a center for tourism.

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Orangozinho Island

A peaceful island within the Orango National Park, famous for flamingos and pristine mangroves.

Uno

Uno is the main settlement on Uno Island in the Bijagós Archipelago.

Eticoga

Eticoga is the largest settlement on Orango Island in the Bijagós Archipelago.

Bruce Beach

Arguably the most beautiful beach in Guinea-Bissau on Bubaque Island, famous for its white sand and relaxed atmosphere.

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Soga Island

A charming island near Bubaque, known for its palm oil plantations and warm hospitality.

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Canhabaque Island

One of the most traditional islands of the Bijagós, known for its untouched culture and dense forests.

Rubane Island

A breathtaking island known for exclusive eco-lodges, white sand beaches, and world-class sport fishing.

Galinhas Island

An island rich in history with colonial ruins and picturesque villages, set in tropical beauty.

Formosa

Formosa is one of the largest islands in the Bijagós Archipelago with several small settlements.

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Carache Island

A wild and pristine island in the northern Bijagós Archipelago, known for its dense forests and traditional culture.

João Vieira Island

An untouched paradise in the Bijagós Archipelago, famous for its marine national park and rare nesting sea turtles.

Maio Island

A remote island on the eastern edge, a paradise for sea turtles and eco-researchers.

Abu

Abu is a small village in the northern Bijagós Islands.

History & landmarks

Bubaque Lighthouse

A prominent lighthouse on Bubaque Island, serving as an important navigation point for vessels in the Bijagós Archipelago.

More places

Uno Island

Uno is an island in the western part of the Bijagós Archipelago.

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Dolphins of the Bijagós Archipelago

The shallow coastal waters around the islands are known for their populations of bottlenose and Atlantic humpback dolphins.

Bijagós Archipelago

This archipelago consists of 88 islands and islets off the coast of Guinea-Bissau.

Orango Island

Orango Island is part of the Bijagós Archipelago and is famous for its unique saltwater hippopotamuses.

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Orango Saltwater Hippo Sanctuary

Unique protected area on Orango Island where hippos live in brackish and saltwater.

Bubaque Beach Play Area

Safe and shallow beach sections on Bubaque Island, ideal for children to play and swim.

Bubaque Island

Bubaque is the administrative center of the Bijagós Archipelago and one of the most accessible islands.

Bubaque Coastal Rocks

The coastline of Bubaque features interesting laterite rock formations that form wide plateaus during low tide.